Menu

Simple, homemade deodorant that actually works

After yet another unfortunate mishap with a scented deodorant that makes me want to gag, and yet another hippie deodorant that doesn’t actually, uh, deodorize, I was linked to this recipe with some pretty good recommendations. Blogger How About Orange has this to say about her recipe:(My Mom) came across someone selling homemade deodorant nearly a year ago, tried it out, and found that it actually kept stinkiness away better than store brands. Plus most popular brands of deodorant contain aluminum, so if you can avoid stuffing metal into your pores, that seems like a good idea. After using a few types of natural deodorants and figuring out which ingredients she prefers, Mum decided to make her own.

Her recipe was this:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup baking soda ($1.19 for a box)
1/4 cup arrowroot powder ($5.99 for 20 oz.)
4 tablespoons coconut oil ($6.00 for 15 oz.)
10 drops/shakes grapefruit essential oil ($9.99 for 0.5 oz.)
A tin or jar with lid
In a bowl, stir together dry ingredients, then add oils gradually until you like the consistency, mixing with a fork. Store in a closed container at room temp. (If the mixture seems too soft, try refrigerating it for a bit to firm it up.)
To apply, scoop up a bit with your finger, hold it against your skin for a couple seconds so it melts a little, then rub around.

Well that sounded simple enough and I already use both cornstarch and coconut oil in my hair, so I decided to give it a go:

I didn’t have arrowroot powder on hand, but I did have cornstarch, which is a good substitute. I also used orange oil and sage instead of grapefruit for a slightly less girly scent. (in case the husband wants to give it a go)
So far, it’s working like a charm, I’ll update in a couple weeks when it’s getting really hot!

Interesting that most of them are sprays! I keep meaning to do an update on this. This stuff has totally 100% passed the test. It has survived rush hour in an un-air conditioned car, an afternoon picnic in 87 degrees, a festival, a day working on the yard, AND a night clubbing. No smell at all. Miracle!